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Dayton Diners Show Support for “Flavors Eatery”

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The Pacific Smoothie

Here is a good story for your Holiday.

What a difference a few weeks makes.  After having a slump in winter sales, the Centerville Flavors Eatery put out a lifeline.  On their Facebook page they said they were struggling and asked for regulars and new patrons to visit them for a boost.  The result was overwhelming.  People from all over the Miami Valley have been grabbing a bite, or placing to go orders.  So many in fact, that the eatery had a record-breaking week recently.

Nearly 6 years ago, ownership of this location was sold.  Business continued to hum with meal plans to go.  It was early in December that the drop-off in patronage put the restaurant in jeopardy.  While the family has publicly thanked local foodies for their Christmas Miracle,” they also asked for continued support in 2019, so they aren’t out of the woods yet.

The Food Adventure Crew took the opportunity to visit the eatery a couple of times in December and wow is there a buzz in town.  Both times we stopped in customers continued to stop in, some as they were closing and had to take to go orders.

Have you been to Flavors Eatery? Wanting to try for the first time or revisit the place? Here is some information you will find useful.

 

HERE IS THE SKINNY ON FLAVORS EATERY:

The Outside of Flavors Eatery in Centerville

—HOURS. – A unique schedule for he dining room is as follows:
MON: – 11am -8pm
TUES – THURS: 11am -3pm
FRI: 11am – 8pm
SAT: 11am- 3pm
—Located in Centerville in a small strip mall at 865 E. Franklin St.

Let us help you out, from years and dozens of trips to this eatery, we know the menu fairly well.  Here are there “must eats.”

 

“MUST EATS” FOR FLAVORS EATERY:

Don’t forget Flavors has another location in Lebanon.  That location is run by the original owners of Flavors, who opened the Centerville store years ago.  The food offerings are very similar and feature that California style eatery menu we have grown to love.  And of course they invented that incredible garlic sauce.

 

Chicken Artichoke Spinach Wrap a Rito

—THE PACIFIC SMOOTHIE:
Banana, strawberries, mixed fruit and mixed berry concoction with kiwi-strawberry juice. This shake will wake you up and give you an energy boost from the natural ingredients. Refreshing, and delicious, this one is worth a try.

 

— CHICKEN SPINACH ARTICHOKE WRAP-A-RITO:
This was Jackie’s favorite. It is a large burrito, stuffed with artichokes, chicken, spinach, apple slaw, mozzarella cheese, feta cheese and house garlic sauce on top. Jackie suggests ordering it with extra house garlic sauce. She could drink that stuff !

 

— PORTABELLA CHICKEN QUESADILLA:
This was the Big Ragu’s favorite of the menu. A Warm quesadilla with lots of flavor with chicken and portabella mushrooms, tomatoes, apple slaw, mozzarella cheese and topped with the incredible house garlic sauce. This was a perfect balance of healthy and filling.

 

— TERIYAKI CHICKEN FLAKY BAKE:
A delicious take on chicken. The teriyaki sauce was subtle and the chicken was cooked perfectly. All of it on a flaky tortilla and served with chips and salsa. Drizzled with Garlic sauce, it is a crisp flaking mountain of happiness.

Portabella Chicken Quesadilla

 

—CAJUN CHICKEN WRAP-A-RITO:
Take a chicken burrito and add green and red bell peppers. The result is the beginning of greatness. Brown rice, apple slaw, yellow onions and beans are also filled inside with garlic sauce on top. The multiple levels of flavors and spices make a cajun flavored treat. Subtle, and not overpowering, the burrito maintains that healthy, natural taste.

 

—AVOCADO CHOCOLATE COOKIES:
The most interesting menu item in the eatery. It is a dark, dark cookie made with avocados. Go guilt free and eat one of these bad boys. It is an absolute treat.

 

—BOTTLES OF HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE TO GO:
Turn your kitchen into a mini-flavors. Not only is the sauce amazing, it is Gluten Free, Dairy Free, no MSG, with No High Fructose Corn Syrup. Try it on Salads, Chips, Pretzels, Meats, Pizzas and veggies!!! The sauce is also sold at Kroger and Dorothy Lane Market Centerville in the salad dressing aisle.

 

Teriyaki Chicken Flaky Bake

HONORABLE MENTION:

— THE HUMMUS PLATE:
This appetizer is fresh and a display of dipping vegetables that is just perfect. The hummus is freshly ground and delicious. This is a very healthy appetizer option, and none of the flavor is sacrificed.

If you are wondering about the house apple slaw, it contains a mixture of carrots, cabbage, radicchio, cucumber, apples, celery and green beans. It is a garnish found with most of their meals.

 

That sums it up it for our Food Adventure recap and feel good story of the season. Flavors Eatery in Centerville still asks for your continued support in 2019, but the Dayton faithful have been their guardian angel and saving grace this Christmas.

If you haven’t been there this winter, now you know what to order, so you have a head start on the rest …. see you at the tables, covered in garlic sauce!

For more Food Adventures, follow us on FACEBOOK HERE.

We have a feature article right here each week on Dayton Most Metro.   Food Adventures has no rules, and leave no plate unturned.  Join Jessie, The Big Ragu and Jackie in our treks for great Miami Valley food.

Cajun Wrap A Rito

Hummus Plate

Garlic Sauce on Chips

Dining Room

Garlic Sauce

Avocado Cookie

Inside Flavors

Chicken Flaky Bake

Cajun Wrap a rito

Dining Area

Lunch is served

Chicken Portabella Quesadilla

Cajun Burrito

The flaky bake – chicken teriyaki

chips, salsa and a burrito

 

 

The Top 20 Green Foods of Dayton

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Cobblestone Cafe’s Honey Fried Chicken Salad

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic of that stuff

Happy St Patricks Day from the Food Adventures Crew to you… Today, Hungry Jax, The Big Ragu and Chef House are getting into the Irish spirit by exploring the colorful green foods of Dayton.  From salads to side items, these menu offerings are luckier than a four leaf clover.

Now may we present with Faith and Begorrah,

 

THE TOP 20 GREEN FOODS OF DAYTON

1) HONEY FRIED CHICKEN SALAD at COBBLESTONE CAFE:  Hungry Jax points to this as one of her favorites.  Not only are the greens crisp and fresh, but the chicken is fried perfectly.  The quaint atmosphere always adds to our Food Adventures at Cobblestone.

 

Saag Paneer – An India Oven Traditional Creamy Spinach dish, you MUST TRY

2) GRILLED KALE SALAD at LUCKY’S TAPROOM:  Chef House says this is a “Must Eat.”  One of her “go to” menu items in the Oregon District, it is fresh, delicious and local!

 

3) ASIAGO CRUSTED CHICKEN at ROOST MODERN ITALIAN: When Executive Chef Dana Downs is at the helm, you can expect some divine food.  The pesto linguine and spinach make this dish….

 

4) SAAG PANEER at INDIA OVEN:  Creamy, wonderfully prepared traditional Indian dish served with white, basmati rice.  The fresh, cheesey mixture melts in your mouth.  Want to branch out and try a delicious dish?  Here is your chance.

 

5) MALA PORK from CHINA COTTAGE: Stir fried magic performed by Tiger Wang and his cooking staff.  Green onions and thinly sliced pork tossed in a light brown sauce.  This dish highlights that signature taste, from an iconic Dayton restaurant.  The Big Ragu gives it 2 chopsticks up!

 

6) THE AVOCADO & GOAT CHEESE BLT from LUCKY’S TAPROOM & EATERY:  Drew Trick is serving up the mainstay favorites on his menu, and this is one has a cult following.  Chef House says “you gotta try this sandwich.”  The local ingredients are amazing.

 

Mala Pork from China Cottage – an amazing dish, with a little heat

7) DRESSED GREENS SALAD at WHEAT PENNY OVEN & BAR:  Known for their pizza, the delightful, delicious salads are the perfect accompaniment or a meal in themselves.  Your choice of dressing drizzled… for rizzle.

 

8) PICKLE SOUP from BLIND BOB’S: One of the more unique Dayton creations on this list, and one of the most surprisingly delicious.  A soup with a fan following like now other, get in here and try this one-of-a-kind soup.

 

9)  BACON WRAPPED ASPARAGUS at OLLIE’S PLACE:  A perfect appetizer to go with the unmatched beer selection at this eatery.  Warning- people at your table will want you to share this, so get a couple of orders to pass around.

 

10)  GREEN CHICKEN CURRY at SIAM PAD THAI: A flavorful dish in a flavorful restaurant.  Get it spicy or mild.  The sauce is derived from green chilies, coconut milk, eggplant, bamboo shoots, green beans and bell pepper.

 

Dressed Greens at Wheat Penny – Healthy never tasted so good

11) FRIED GREEN TOMATOES at RUE DEMAINE:  A simple southern side, perfected by a decorated chef.  Try these delicately fried slices, that simply melt in your mouth.

 

12) GUACAMOLE from TAQUERIA MIXTECA:  Authentic mix from the local authority in authentic Mexican cuisine.  If you want guacamole like they make it in Mexico City, then you’ve found the right place.

 

13) GARLIC EDAMAME at KABUKI:  Healthy bean sprouts that slide into your mouth.  This appetizer can be perfectly described as “addicting.”  Simple and so good, it is a perfect warm up for a sushi roll.

 

14) KEY LIME PIE at COCO’S BISTRO: A heartier version of the original, it is almost like a key lime cheesecake.  Go green with this dessert, and make your day special.  The elegant atmosphere adds to the dreamy experience.

 

Deep Fried Asparagus wrapped with bacon

15) SPINACH CON QUESO DIP from DOUBLEDAY’S GRILL & TAVERN: The type of appetizer where you fight over the last scoops of dip when the others at the table.  Yeah, it is that damn good.

 

16) CHILE RELLENO from TACO LOCO: Ohh si, si, si!  One of the Big Ragu’s favorite dishes and one of his favorite places.  Not only is this food great and homemade, the prices are extremely reasonable.

 

17) BUTTERCREAM COOKIE SANDWICHES from THE CAKERY:  So good you get a sugar high when you eat them.  Typically decorated in green these cookies are probably the most sinful thing on this list.

 

18) ZUCCHINI TACO BOATS at FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Carved out zucchini, filled with taco toppings, these “boats” are delicious and a healthy spin on tacos.  Get some at the Centerville Flavors and they even make them for healthy “to go” meal plans.

 

 19)  SQUASH SPAGHETTI from FLAVOR’S EATERY:  Thinly shredded squash, made to look like small noodles.  Tasty, healthy and as filling as pasta.  It is a good way to “fool” your tastebuds into thinking you are eating carbs, but it s all healthy squash.

Garlic Edamame at Kabuki

 

20) FRIED PICKLES at THE DUBLIN PUB: What’s a St Patty’s list without an Irish place.  Hand dipped crunchy, pickle slices, battered, deep fried and served with some ranch dip.

 

We are not food critics.. we just love to eat.  Food is our passion, and so are the original events, photos and festivals.

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Pickle Soup at Blind Bobs

Zucchini Boats – “Meals by Flavors”


Chile Relleno – Taco Loco

The Cakery – Buttercream cookie sandwich

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guacamole – hard to get a good pic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shredded squash –

 

Flavors in Centerville Offering Healthy Meal Plans “To Go.”

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Pizza boat - with Zucchini

Zucchini Boats from Flavors are Delicious !

Today, The Food Adventures Crew shows you an easy way to keep your New Year’s resolutions for healthy eating.  Flavors in Centerville continues to launch their “Meals by Flavors” option, where you can plan your healthy meals for the week.  You can pre-order 1 meal, or as many as you want.  Imagine that, full on, healthy Food Adventures in convenient packages!

We all love Flavors Eatery for their one-of-a-kind, healthy food specialties, that taste delicious.  They have so many dishes that taste amazing, yet are low calorie,  low carb and packed with nutrients.  When new owner, Ryan, bought the Centerville location from Elaine and Rich, he stayed true to their menu.  One of his visions was adding this meal program that helped him lose weight.

Now, you can get certain meals “to go” and keep your waistline healthy throughout the week.  With “Meals By Flavors” you can turn your resolution, into a lifestyle.

To stay skinny you gotta know the scoop.. so here it is…

 

HERE’S THE SKINNY:

Ryan and his son

Centerville Flavors Owner, Ryan and his son

— The concept is simple.  Stay on track with your diet by substituting legumes and vegetables for your favorite carb foods.  The idea is to “fool” your tastebuds into  thinking you are eating your favorite foods.  A perfect example is using shredded Zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti or pulverized cauliflower instead of rice.  The menu is developed to taste good, and deliver all the nutrition and protein your body needs, in a low fat meal.  Simply stated, the flavors are so good, you don’t miss a thing because it satisfies your cravings.

— You must email flavorsorders@gmail.com to request a menu, and to place your orders too .  Orders take approx 48 hours to prepare, and may be picked up at the Centerville location at 865 E. Franklin St.

— Orders are typically packaged in air tight containers, so that when refrigerated, they will last a few days.  Some dinners will last longer than others, depending on ingredients and packaging.

— Menu prices typically run between $6 – $12, depending on the dish.  Please note: the $12 meals were sometimes enough for two meals, and we have big appetites.

 

Now, we present a Food Adventures first.  Our all-time healthiest list of “Must Eats,” thanks to “Meals By Flavors”

 

MUST EATS:

 — ZUCCHINI PIZZA BOATS with TURKEY PEPPERONI  & MIXED GREENS SALAD: Hulled zucchini filled with marinara sauce, spinach, fresh basil, fresh oregano, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.  The boats are then topped with a little bit of thinly sliced, fresh mozzarella and turkey pepperoni.  (In the past we have also seen these offered with lean ground beef).  The result is a cross between a pizza and a potato skin, with hardly any calories.  Fantastic must eat, at the top of our list.

Stuffed

Stuffed Green and Red Peppers

— FISH TACOS:  The fish offered is usually Salmon and/or Tilapia, and sometimes Wahoo whitefish.  The fish is seared and served with a cup of spicy Boom-Boom sauce, two low-carb tortillas, and Flavor’s signature salsa loaded with lime and fresh cilantro. It also comes with a side of apple and vegetable slaw lightly seasoned and placed on a bed of fresh baby spinach.

— CHUNKY CHICKEN SALAD:  One of our Food Adventure faves, right off the flavors menu!   It starts with spinach and romaine salad with hand-pulled roasted chicken.   Also packaged are black beans,  apple and veggie slaw, sunflower seeds, cheddar-jack cheese, and of course, Flavors House Sauce.  Light, fresh and delicious, this chicken salad is a must eat, no brainer.

—ROASTED RED PEPPER PIZZA:  The dough is actually a low carb tortilla.  It is then loaded with spinach and roasted red, green, and yellow peppers.  Add to that a generous portion of chicken and cheddar-jack cheese blend. This meal is served with a side of buttered, poached carrots.

— AVACADO COOKIES:  Made with nothing except Avacado these dark black cookies are amazing and a guilt free treat.Salad

Honorable Mention: Red and Green Stuffed Pepper Dinner: A big meal of peppers stuffed with homemade refried beans, roasted chicken, spinach and topped off with salsa.  It is served with a side of mixed veggies.

Also the Smoked Brisket Salad deserves a mention. Thinly sliced smoked brisket on a mix of romaine and spinach leaves.   Meal also includes apple-veggie slaw. The salad is also topped with a bed of black beans, sunflower seeds, and Flavors House Sauce!

Flavors Eatery always pleases, and their “Meals By Flavors” program is no different.  Brillant usues of legumes, vegetables and sauces make guilt free seem so easy.

 

But our article doesn’t end here…. With Flavors Eatery there are 3 other important things we would like to mention.

 

**** 3 OTHER THINGS TO NOTE ***

Bottles of sauce at DLM1) The Flavors Eatery in Centerville now serves dinner every day until 9pm, except Tuesday and Sunday.  This is great news for many of us that enjoy flavors, but wished they had extended hours.  Our prayers have been answered!

 

2) There is a Flavors Eatery now in Downtown Lebanon, at 4 South Broadway, where Rich and Elaine have expanded their franchise!   They are running the new restaurant just like the original !  Stop in and say hello to this great mom and pop team !

3) Bottles of FLAVORS AMAZING HOUSE GARLIC SAUCE are available at Dorothy Lane Market.  What are you doing sitting there?  Grab a bottle already !  This sauce goes great on anything from chicken and seafood, to salad and nachos.

 

So get on your computers, email flavorsorders@gmail.com, and tell them you want the “Meals by Flavors” menu.  For those of us with a busy lifestyle, it keeps your diet on track during the week!

Want to keep on track with all the foodie happenings in Dayton?  Then “like” Food Adventures on Facebook, and join the thousands that know, we set the cutting edge trends that other follow.  Keep up with the Food Adventures crew of Hungry Jax, Chef House, the King and the Big Ragu and comment on your favorite eateries.

Also – check out our 50 photos below of Flavor’s best items !

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30 Dayton Foods, You Gotta Try Before You Die

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The Chicken Monterey at Flavors

Now that Labor Day weekend is over, here are some of OUR labor of loves.. tastefully speaking, of course.  That is the theme of this week’s Food Adventure Article   They are the 30 best foods of the Miami Valley that you probably haven’t tried.

Little known Dayton Foods that are underground classics.   

Now that you know the skinny, let’s get down and dirty with our Thirty. 

 

These are the are the 30 DAYTON MUST EATS You gotta Try, Before You Die:

1) THE SPLIT FILET SERVED WITH DRAWN BUTTER at THE PARAGON:  This steak isn’t on the menu, so you have to request it.  It is a little known secret that will melt in your mouth.  Perfectly cooked, the sinful act of dipping the steak in drawn butter is something for royalty.  Try it and see why the Paragon Supper Club is a fixture in Centerville.

 

2) CHICKEN MONTEREY from FLAVORS: Healthy meets savory in this dish.  Honestly, one of our favorite meals in the Dayton area.  The food is consistent.  Why? Quality, fresh ingredients.  Chicken Monterey is a solid dish every time.  It is served with a side of tortilla chips and the amazing garlic sauce (now available at Dorothy Lane Market).  And guess what, it is a healthy meal.  What more can you ask for ?

The Caroline Steak, at The Caroline Restaurant in Troy

3) SPRING ROLLS WITH VERMICELLI NOODLES at LITTLE SAIGON:  The best $8 you will ever spend.  Dip into the giant bowl with a pair of chopsticks and enter a Food Adventure.  Vermicelli noodles, topped with diced, vegetarian spring rolls.   Under the noodles, is a surprise of bean sprouts and lettuce.  Served with a side of vinegar sauce and topped with chopped peanuts, this little know Dayton gem is your go to for Vietnamese Food.. Trust Us ….

4) THE CAROLINE STEAK at THE CAROLINE RESTAURANT:  You will be in awe of the special, stainless steel knife served with the meal, but don’t take it home like some others have… Choose the handmade sweet potato fries as a side dish and an appetizer of whiskey or bourbon mushrooms, and this will be one of the best meals you will ever have.  We have to mention that the great staff makes The Caroline a perfect places for a date, party, or special occasion.

5) BLACK BEAN BURGER at CHRISTOPHER’S RESTAURANT: We have never been black bean burger fans, until we met Chef John at the Centerville Farmer’s Market.  We tried one that was being grilled at the market, and was converted.  We respect the black bean now.  The burger is large, hearty and filling.  We recommend adding a slice of cheese.  It satisfies your carnivorous cravings.

6) 10 EGG OMELET FROM TANKS: One of the things we learned growing up in Dayton, is that there aren’t many late night eateries.  Thank God for Tanks.  If you love breakfast, they serve it any time of the day.  This is a delicious omelet that will bust your gut, and you wont eat the potatoes or toast that comes with it.  If you have a normal appetite, we recommend the 6 egg girly omelet.  The omelet has a multitude of ingredients, and whatever Tanks decides to throw in that day.

The Cheese and Onion Sandwich from Central Perc in Oakwood

7) GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH with WHITE CHEDDAR and APRICOT CHUTNEY from MEADOWLARK: One of the most simple sandwiches, is one of the most satisfying.  Ohio Northern Cheddar and apricot chutney make this incredible cheese sandwich.  Served on Dorothy Lane Market Artisan Bread, you have a guaranteed winner here.  After you it it, you will find yourself trying to replicate it at home.  

8) CHEESE AND ONION SANDWICH from CENTRAL PERC:  For the adventurous, we give you a British Sandwich. How do you get one?  Ask the owners who grew up in a small village in England to make it they way they way grew up with..ahem.. the “proper” way.  They will probably throw some butter  and Branston Pickle on there (you may want to google this pickle).  Your breath will be horrendous, but you will be happy.  On a side note, Rosie the pastry chef is insanely talented.  An incredible sandwich and tea room that is open limited hours, and accepts Cash Only.

9) BLACK N BLEU BURGER from SEAJAX: The new kid on the block, this burger is a symphony for your taste buds.  We have been all over like Terry’s Turf Club which was supposed to be the best Ohio burger per Guy Fieri, but we think this one is better.  Spend $8 and get a “corporate hamburger” (thank you Michael R Hawk), or spend $10 and get a handmade hamburger with swirled bleu cheese that will knock your socks off.

Summer in a Bowl Salad from Olive, an Urban Dive

10) THE BOURBON BURGER from BRIXX ICE CO.: This is one of our favorite burgers in the world.  It is a burger with bourbon glaze on it that makes you cry “hell yes.”  Great patio for the divas, but we prefer the bar stool seats and chowing down.  Thanks to childhood friend, owner/chef Chris Bhai for the developing a sauce that makes this burger a “must eat.”

11) HUEVOS RANCHEROS from SUNRISE CAFE:  We crave this incredible breakfast dish from the best kept secret in Yellow Springs.  The dish is corn tortillas, topped with eggs, and a black bean sauce, garnished with fresh salsa and sour cream.  Dont go hiking, instead, grab breakfast here.  They trumpet the fact that they have no deep fryers, no microwaves, just kick butt food.  Worth the trip to organicville.

12) SUMMER IN A BOWL SALAD from OLIVE, an URBAN DIVE:  Local freshness, local ingredients.  We absolutely love it.  If an artist made a salad, it would be “Summer in  a Bowl.”  We can’t put the ingredients on here, because the ingredients are seasonal.  Olive, only uses top quality materials.  Open your mouth and prepare to be dazzled.  It wont bust your budget or your pant line.

 

13) CALAMARI APPETIZER at FRANCO’S: Get the deep fried option dusted with Parmesan cheese and olive oil.  The Big Ragu, the king of fried food, usually says “Oh my god” in a over dramatic tone when they are served.  This is a tradition, when preparing for a big Italian meal at Franco’s.  Stay hungry my friends…The deep fried whole tilapia from Taco Loco

14) THE PAELLA from EL MESON: Watching them prepare it is half of the fun.  Listening to owner Bill Castro explain his passion for food and the pivotal role food plays in life is a great experience in itself.  Chef’s sprinkling rice and seafood shells while walking around the huge paella pan and flirting with the crowd.  By the time the dish is served we have teased our eyes and the aroma is amazing.  We love this family and their food.  Try this place out, if you haven’t, you aren’t experiencing Dayton.  

15) WHOLE, DEEP FRIED TILAPIA at TACO LOCO:  You can go to another restaurant and get this dish for $30 or you can get it for $8 at Taco Loco.  The dish that will freak your friends out, but leave you one happy foodie.  If you can stomach a whole fish on your plate looking at you, then this one is worth the stares… literally.  It is delicious and simple.

16) THE GRILLED PEACHES with GOAT CHEESE at LILY’s BISTRO: A seasonal treat that should be on the menu every month.  A stellar dish that steals the show at any meal.  Drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette dressing, this memorable side will blow your mind.  Thank you Lily’s for making us crave this on a daily basis….

Sweeney's Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA !

Sweeney’s Seafood House has the Best Raw Oysters in the USA. Click to enlarge

17) THE RAW OYSTERS at SWEENEY’s SEAFOOD HOUSE:  The Big Ragu has tried oysters from coast to coast and north to south.  He concludes that the best raw oysters on the planet are at Sweeney’s Seafood.  Served on the half shell, these are chokers, not for the squeamish.  Grab a bottle of hot sauce and one of their micro brews and sling em back like a champ!

18) SPINOZIAN DELUXE PIZZA from SPINOZA’S: Homemade, fresh dough with Italian sausage, pepperoni, black olives, bell peppers,mushrooms and fontina cheese.  The pizza is always good here.  The crust is exceptional.  Pair it with one of their great salads and listen to a live band and sip on some local beer.  Not many people know about this place, but the ones that do, love it!

19) THE LAND AND SEA BLT at HARVEST MOBILE FOOD TRUCK:  This sandwich kick so much azz, that it won $10,000 for best dish at a Food Truck Rally.  Applewood bacon, smoked salmon and a ciabatta roll.  Then Harvest adds a sauce that is the money shot.     Follow this truck and see why poeple track them down all over town.  Chef Patrick continues to blow us away with cluinary creations.

 20) LOX & CHEESE CREPE at CREPE BOHEME: An ingredient list so simple, so good.  Salmon, capers and cheese all wrapped into a handmade crepe right before your eyes.  One of the reason we go to 2nd St. Market is to savor the crepes at Crepe Boheme.  Sabine is the ultimate crepe master, and her works of art will never let you down.  This is the real deal, a chef making the crepes.

21) THE PARIS OMELET at BUTTER CAFE: Love breakfast?  Love mushrooms? We suggest a spin using egg whites, goat cheese, a bit of onion and lot of mushrooms.  You haven’t lived until you take a bite of this omelet while overlooking Brown Street.  Guess what?  It is affordable and a protein powered breakfast.

The Ruck Sandwich from Dublin Pub

22) SHRIMP and SCALLOP NEWBURG at THE DOCK:  A creamy alfredo dish, with penne pasta.  This is like a pasta bake.  It is rich and delicious.  Can’t afford a trip to Florida?  Escape to The Dock in Enon and buy yourself a dinner dream, just like being on a pier.

23) THE RUCK from THE DUBLIN PUB: This is a dense beef brisket sandwich that is simply incredible.  The brisket is steamed in Guinness Beer. Topped with glob of cheese and onions, it is delicious.  It is a filling, guilty pleasure.  After eating this, you may want to call Richard Simmons to chase you around the yard in his ball hugging shorts and burn off the calories.  Or go hiking for his physique.

24) THE GYRO at CHICAGO GYRO’S and DOGS: Forget the fries, the sandwich is all you need. Loaded with meat, perfectly seasoned, it is a master piece as-is.  The atmosphere used to be sketchy at the old location, but the new location is kid friendly.  The gyros and dogs are still the same .. good food.  This place flies under the radar, and is an unsung Gyro..get it ?

Cow Patty Ice Cream even cures PMS.. that’s no Bull !

 25) DEL MAR TRIO at EL RANCHO GRANDE:  Want a great dish, at an unsuspecting place?  The order the Del Mar Trio at El Rancho Grande.  It consists of grilled lobster, tilapia and shrimp sprinkled with cheese on a hot fajita plate.  Served with tortillas.  Orgasmic.. yeah we said it..  Order one of these dishes and tell us we’re wrong.

 26) COW PATTY ICE CREAM from YOUNG’S JERSEY DAIRY:  We love this chocolate amazingness, and our friend Caryn Snyder says it is “the ultimate cure for PMS.”  It is dark chocolate ice cream, chocolate cookie pieces, chocolate covered toffee pieces and mini chocolate chips.  The cones are piled high and worth the drive to hippie Utopia.

27) THE PIZZA at SOFT ROCK CAFE: Yes, a karaoke bar has some decent pizza.  We don’t know if it is the thin crust, the cheese, or the toppings, but the pizza is addicting.  Our tip is to get at least 3 or more toppings, and try not to burn your mouth, the pies come out HOT!   Also, *** please note their kitchen is only open Thursday through Saturday at 8pm for weekend indulgence.

28) FISH WITH CHILI SAUCE at THAI9: This huge filet of golden fried fish is topped with a spicy chili sauce, and plated with a small amount of sauteed veggies.  The taste is slightly fiery and incredible.   The chili oil soaks into the fish, yielding the flavor, but keeping the crispiness.  A little known dish, off the beaten path, at a restaurant with a very extensive menu. Try it !

The Greatest Soft Pretzels EVER are at K & R Pretzel Bakery on Flesher St.

29) THE PLAYBOY ROLL at KABUKI:  Nothing says fun like a couple of grown adults trying to blow out a flaming sushi roll.  The roll contains Shrimp Tempura, Spicy tuna, and asparagus topped with cooked shrimp and a sweet glaze sauce.  It is then “barbecued” at your table, by being served on fire, inside an aluminum pouch.  The spectacle is one thing, but the best thing is whats inside the fiery roll of foil.  The answer is a scrumptious taste of Japan, right here in Dayton.

30) THE PRETZELS from K&R PRETZEL BAKERY:  These should be a Dayton Icon, but not many people know of this secret place at 1700 Flesher Ave.  Like a scene from Willy Wonka, the pretzel machine is fed a hand twisted raw dough pretzel, the dough is mechanically dipped in water, then hand salted before it is baked on a conveyor belt.  The machine is as long as a limousine, and it is fun watching the finished product come out at the end.  It is even more fun to eat the results:  A soft pretzel, that is the best we’ve tasted.

These are our 30 DAYTON MUST EATS, You gotta try before you die.  Little known secrets, and favorite hidden gems.   DID WE LEAVE OUT ONE OF YOUR FAVES?  WHICH ONE?  Is there one on the list you disagree with?  Are some of these items, your favorite too?  Please comment below!

Please check out our gallery below and “like us on FACEBOOK HERE !  We have some big things coming up this fall !  Hungry Jax, Chef House and the Big Ragu thank you !

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